Renison University College

Renison University College front entrance

Come experience the University of Waterloo with Renison University College in a supportive academic community where everyone can follow their passion. You will also have the opportunity to experience the uniqueness of each individual that walks through our halls as being part of a close-knit residence community consisting of 220 people.

Discover why studying at Renison is such a rewarding experience. You can check out the credit programs on offer for undergraduate, postgraduate, and graduate programs. You can also look into our non-credit programming.

This site contains information on course prerequisites, residence, and a variety of supports Renison offers to students such as course selection and accommodation. We aim to make studying at Renison a great learning experience as well as one in which you’ll make new friends and enjoy a great lifestyle in a great city, Waterloo.

If you have other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

A message to our friends and colleagues from Mexico

Renison and Mexico hands locked In the wake of two powerful and devastating earthquakes in Mexico over the past two weeks, the entire community of Renison University College extends its sincere condolences to all those affected. We pray for those who are involved in rescue efforts, for those killed, and for those who, when the time of emergency response and reaction has passed, will grieve.

We especially keep in mind all our Mexican students and alumni of Renison’s English Language Institute who have become part of our college’s family. You are in our thoughts as you and your country deal with the response to these natural disasters.

Sincerely,
Wendy L. Fletcher, Ph.D
President and Vice-Chancellor
Renison University College

What is a University College?

The University Colleges are located on Waterloo's main campus and offer courses as well as residences. All 4 are much smaller than Waterloo Residences, which means you'll get to know almost everyone!

You'll study or live in a smaller community, have access to all services and facilities on the main campus, and earn a valuable University of Waterloo degree.

What makes Renison unique?

If you're looking for a smaller, close-knit residence or academic home base that is a five-minute walk to most buildings at Waterloo, then Renison University College (Renison) may be for you!

Renison is a smaller community with its own character and distinctive programs where you can get involved and contribute.

Students in any program can take classes or live at a University College – or both!
Smaller community with residence rooms for 220 students with the lowest Don to student ratio on campus (1:20).
Most spaces for first-year students are in traditional-style rooms.
A five swipe per day meal plan (largest meal plan at Waterloo) rather than the declining-debit WatCard dollars used by Waterloo Residences.

Territorial acknowledgement

Renison University College acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territory of ‎the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The University of Waterloo is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land promised to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometers on each side of the Grand River.

News

Sep. 14, 2017New 300 level Korean language classes offered by East Asian Studies

Korean Language and Culture Studies is pleased to announce two new advanced Korean language courses.
July 19, 2017Confucius Institute celebrates 10th anniversary
The Confucius Institute in Waterloo, based at Renison University College, celebrated its tenth anniversary on July 12, 2017. A celebration was held at the College to commemorate this special occasion and to recognize the good work the Confucius Institute has done in furthering the understanding and appreciation of both the language and culture of China at the University of Waterloo and in the KW community.
July 18, 2017Renison Institute of Ministry director selected to participate in symbolic Indigenous treaty enactment
Marilyn Malton, director of the Renison Institute of Ministry (RIM), has been selected to take part in a symbolic enactment of the Two Row treaty, a canoe trip taking place from July 21 to 28.

Read all news

Events

Sep. 28, 2017Speaking Fruit at the Canadian Student Leadership Conference
Conceived by Toronto-artist Farrah Miranda, Speaking Fruit is a new and first-of-its-kind mobile, roadside fruit-stand and design studio that feeds the movement for migrant farmworker rights.
Sep. 30, 2017One Sky Festival

Welcome to the new One Sky Festival, formerly the East Asian Festival.

Come and enjoy vibrant performances, fun and interactive booths, and taste delicious food as we celebrate the Chinese, Islamic, Japanese, and Korean cultures.
Oct. 17, 2017Earning a Degree with ADHD: A unique event about succeeding at university and life, with comedian Rick Green
In this unique event, discover powerful tools that help with memory, time management, clutter, restlessness, distractions, studying, energy levels, and sleep.

As part of Invisible Disabilities Week, Renison University College and the University of Waterloo's Student Success Office presents this unique event with comedian and Waterloo/Renison alumnus, Rick Green (B.Sc. '75).

Through humour and scientific information, Rick Green will share tips, tricks, and knowledge for post-secondary success and life as an adult with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).